What Is the name for a hare's tail? | Reference.com What Is the name for a hare's tail? A: Quick Answer A hare's tail is classified as a scut, a kind of short, erect tail found on other herbivorous woodland animals, such as deer and rabbits. It comes from a Middle English word meaning hare, which originally derives from the Old Norse word "skutr," meaning stern. Full Answer A hare's scut is between 2 and 4 inches long. Although short, the scut is used for interspecies communication. Rabbits, deer and hares all utilize a particular kind of motion called tail flagging. Flagging consists of moving the scut very rapidly from side to side. In deer, flagging of the scut indicates agitation; in rabbits and hares, it is a sign that the animal is ready to breed. Rabbits - Living with Wildlife | Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife Rabbits For more information on the Living With Wildlife series, contact the WDFW Wildlife Program 360-902-2515 Figure 1. The Eastern cottontail was introduced to Washington as a game animal in the 1930s.

(Photo by Jo-Ann Ordano) • Two species of rabbits are native to Washington and two others have been introduced to the area (Table 1). Washington is also home to three species of hares: the snowshoe hare and two others, called “jackrabbits.” Rabbits differ from hares in that female rabbits give birth to blind, hairless young that require considerable attention for their first two weeks of life. Hares are born fully furred with their eyes open, and can hop about within hours of their birth. This handout is primarily about rabbits; however, information on how to prevent problems with jackrabbits is provided under “ Preventing Conflicts .” Facts about Rabbits Food and Feeding Habits From spring to fall, rabbits and hares eat grass, clover, wild flowers, weeds, and farm and garden crops. In winter, their diet shifts to buds, twigs, bark, conifer needles, and practically any green plant. In dry interior areas, Nuttall's cottontails climb sloping tree trunks to access green, dew-laden vegetation. Rabbits and hares re-ingest their droppings to further digest the material, a process called coprophagy.

After returning to their shelters, they pass soft pellets containing undigested vegetation, and then eat these at a more leisurely pace, later passing hard pellets. Figure 2. Where soil conditions and food supplies permit, domestic rabbits live in groups in large, complex burrow systems called “warrens.” (Photo by Russell Link) Nest Sites and Shelter Females of most rabbit species create a shallow, bowl like nest called a “form,” and line it with leaves, grass, and fur plucked from their bellies. Female domestic rabbits (and our rare Pygmy rabbits) excavate burrows for their shelter and den site. Where soil conditions and food supplies permit, domestic rabbits live in groups in large, complex burrow systems called “warrens” (Fig. 2). Nests and dens are located in or near brushy fencerows or field edges, brush piles, gullies containing shrubs, and landscaped areas with suitable cover. Reproduction The breeding season for rabbits begins in mid February and can continue through late summer. Famous for their reproductive abilities, rabbits have a 30-day gestation (pregnancy) period, and have several litters containing four to eight young each year.

For about two weeks, the mother rabbit stays away from the nest so as not to show predators the location of the young, returning only at dusk and dawn to nurse and lick her young clean. At two weeks of age the young rabbits begin to eat vegetation; at four to five weeks old they are feeding alongside their mother. The number of rabbits in a given area will increase and decrease in a cycle connected with predator populations and food availability. Mortality and Longevity Adult rabbits are preyed on by large hawks and owls, domestic dogs, coyotes, foxes, and bobcats. Vehicles also kill many rabbits. The young are eaten by mink, skunks, long-tailed weasels, gopher snakes, and domestic cats; young in nests are vulnerable to weed-wackers, lawn mowers, hay mowers, and other agricultural equipment. Rabbits may live two or more years in the wild, but when predators are numerous and weather conditions are extreme, they seldom live more than a year. Washington Rabbits Figure 3. The Nuttall’s cottontail is found in sagebrush areas, weed and tall-grass patches, and orchards throughout eastern Washington.

(From Christensen and Larrison, Mammals of the Pacific Northwest: A Pictorial Introduction.) Native Rabbits The Nuttall's cottontail (Sylvilagus nuttallii, Fig. 3) averages 14 inches in length, is gray or brownish-gray, and has a relatively short, inconspicuous white tail. It is found in sagebrush areas, weed and tall-grass patches, and orchards throughout eastern Washington. The Pygmy rabbit (Sylvilagus idahoensis) is the smallest rabbit in North America, measuring only 11 inches in length. It is slate-gray with a buff-colored tail and is found in the dense sagebrush and rabbitbrush areas of south-central Washington (where fewer than 50 of these rabbits exist) Introduced Rabbits The Eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus) was introduced to several areas in Washington as a game animal beginning in the 1930s. It averages 17 inches in length and is light brown in color; the white underside of its 2-inch tail is readily visible when the rabbit runs.

It is commonly seen along roads, brushy fencerows, and blackberry thickets in and around areas where it has been introduced. The domestic rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) is another introduced species. Also known as the European rabbit or Belgian hare, this single species is the ancestor of all domestic rabbits (about 80 varieties!). The domestic rabbit is considerably larger than other Washington rabbits, measuring 20 to 30 inches in length. It has black, white, brown, or multicolored fur, and is most frequently seen in the San Juan Islands where it was first introduced in 1900, although it is spreading into other areas where it has been released. Viewing Rabbits Rabbits and hares are most active at dawn and dusk. Because their eyes shine yellow or red in a flashlight beam, they are easily seen at night. Rabbits do not hibernate. During the day, rabbits rest under overhanging limbs, brambles, brush piles, old farm implements, and junk. In extreme cold or heat, they may seek greater protection by burrowing into snowdrifts or using another mammal's unoccupied burrow.

Rabbits' survival depends on their sitting still for long periods, a trait they've likely developed to avoid being seen by predators who watch for movement. Indeed, the most common way to find a rabbit's or hare's resting site is by accidentally scaring the animal from it. Rabbits establish safe "bolt areas," then move out in a radius from those safety points to forage, always keeping bolt areas nearby. Animals on the move are highly stressed because they are insecure until they know the safe places they can bolt to. Releasing Unwanted Pet Rabbits Every few years the population of domesticated rabbits explodes in many city parks and "wild" areas around urban centers due to released or abandoned pet rabbits breeding. Pet bunnies are purchased at Easter and other times and later released when people lose interest in them, move, feel the animal is too messy, or when it is no longer cute and cuddly. Unfortunately, domestic rabbits are not prepared to "live off the land." Because the release often happens in or close to residential areas, these rabbits quickly begin feeding in gardens and flowerbeds, causing conflicts with property owners. Disoriented rabbits crossing roads in search of their own territories cause traffic distractions and accidents.

Biologists are concerned that domestic rabbits can introduce diseases into wild rabbit populations or mate with wild rabbits, undermining the vigor of wild populations. Domestic animals should never be abandoned to fend for themselves. If you have a pet rabbit and no longer want it, take it to an animal adoption center or find a home for it by advertising or putting up signs in local pet shops and animal clinics. Trails Rabbits commonly feed and travel along human paths, rural roads, and roadsides. Heavily used rabbit trails look like 4-to 5-inch wide paths in grass, dirt, decaying vegetation, and snow. In tall grass, trails are more tunnellike. Tall blackberry thickets are a favorite shelter, and nicely pruned little tunnels can be seen leading into these thickets Figure 4. Rabbit droppings are about 3/8 inch in diameter, and composed of light brown, sawdust-like material. (Photo by Russell Link) Figure 5. Signs of rabbits and hares include the clean-cut, angled clipping-off of flower heads, buds, and young stems, and gnawing on the stems of woody plants, blackberry canes and other brambles, and on fallen twigs and branches.

(Drawing by Jenifer Rees.) Tracks Rabbit tracks show four toes on each print, with the hind tracks being about two and a half times as long as the front. The claws occasionally register, and on hard ground this may be the only sign of a passing rabbit or hare. Droppings Rabbit droppings are easy to identify in any season and are found in groups of five to ten scattered on the ground in feeding areas (Fig. 4). Droppings are generally spherical, sometimes slightly oblong or irregular, but never acorn- or capsule-shaped like those of deer and elk. Rabbit droppings are about 3/8 inch in diameter, and are composed of light brown, sawdust-like material. Feeding Areas Look for the clean-cut, angled clipping-off of flower heads, buds, and young stems up to ¼ inch in diameter (Fig. 5). Evidence of gnawing can be found on the stems of woody plants, blackberry canes and other brambles, and on fallen twigs and branches. A rabbit's feeding area can also be located by looking for grass, clover, plantain, and other weeds kept cropped to within an inch or two of the ground.

In areas covered with snow, young plants may be clipped off at snow height, and the smooth, thin bark of trees and shrubs may be completely girdled. Twig clipping by rabbits and hares is sometimes confused with deer browsing. Deer damage can be identified easily: It occurs above 2 feet and, because deer have no upper front teeth and must twist and pull when browsing, they leave a ragged break. Rabbits clip twigs off cleanly, as if with a knife. Figure 6. Brush piles for rabbits and other wildlife can be made in many different ways. In areas with an abundance of trees,"half-cuts" can create instant cover. (From: Link, Landscaping for Wildlife in the Pacific Northwest. Drawing by Jenifer Rees.) Dust Baths Rabbits and hares roll in dust baths to help rid themselves of external parasites. These are small areas of sand or dry soil, about a foot (30 cm) in diameter, that have been cleared of vegetation, possibly through the animals' scratching or through repeated use.

Calls The large feet of the snowshoe hare make a good sound thump, and often when a family group is together, one will be lookout and thump a warning when something suspicious approaches. A rabbit or hare captured by a predator emits a loud, high-pitched scream. Preventing Conflicts A rabbit's appetite can get it into trouble with gardeners, landscapers, orchardists, and foresters throughout the year. The following are suggestions for preventing conflicts. For best results, use control methods at the first sign of damage. Once rabbits and hares are used to feeding in an area, all control tactics become less effective. Figure 7. A fence provides the most longterm and effective way to protect plantings from rabbit and hare damage. (Drawing by Jenifer Rees.) Fences: Fences provide the most long-term and effective way to protect plantings from rabbit damage. For rabbits, a 2-foot tall fence, constructed with 1-inch mesh chicken wire and supported by sturdy stakes or posts every 4 to 6 feet will exclude the animals from an enclosed area. Larger hares (jackrabbits) ordinarily will not jump a 2-foot fence unless chased by dogs or otherwise frightened.

Increasing the above-ground height to 3 feet will prevent them from jumping a fence. Where deep snow is common, fences will need to be higher, or adjusted to exclude animals during winter. Rabbits and hares are more likely to go under a fence than over it. To prevent this, place the bottom of the fence 6 inches underground, stake the bottom of the fence flush to the ground, or line the bottom of the fence with rock, bricks, fence posts, or similar items. Anther option is to create a 1-foot wide wire apron on top of the ground on the animal side of the fence. Be sure to secure the apron firmly with stakes (Fig. 7). Electric netting (a type of electric fence) is also suitable for rabbit exclusionl. It is designed for ease of installation and frequent repositioning. Electric netting is intended for temporary use at any one site, making it ideal for seasonal gardens. Daily inspections will be necessary during the first three weeks after installation. If maintenance is poor, rabbits can do considerable damage to electric netting fences by chewing through the wires. This could result in sections becoming inoperative, which may be difficult to detect.

Note: Before purchasing the product, ask the representative about the effects of electric netting on frogs, toads, and baby rabbits. (See " Preventing Conflicts " in Deer for information on electric fences.) The lower 2 to 3 feet of an existing fence or gate can be covered with 1-inch wire mesh to exclude rabbits. Attach the protective wire to the fence at enough points to prevent sagging, and follow the above recommendations to prevent rabbits and hares from pushing through from underneath. Use tight-fitting gates and keep them closed as much as possible (Fig. 7). Inspect the fence regularly to make sure animals have not dug or pushed their way under it, or worked their way over it. Once a rabbit gets into a fenced area, it may not be able to get out without being directed to a gate or other opening. Figure 8. A cylinder of chicken wire, hardware cloth, or drainage pipe can protect young trees from rabbit damage. Tree prunings can be left as a decoy food source during the winter, as rabbits much prefer twigs and buds to tree bark. (Drawing by Jenifer Rees.) Other barriers: In some cases, protecting individual plants may be more practical than excluding from an entire area.

Newly planted vegetables can be protected using commercially sold cloches or 1-gallon plastic milk containers that have the bottom cut out. Placed over the seedlings, they provide protection from animals as well as late frosts. One-inch mesh chicken wire can be cut and formed into cylinders and placed around plants needing protection (Fig. 8). Bury the bottom of the cylinders 3 inches below the soil line and brace them away from the plants so animals cannot press against the cylinder and nibble through the mesh. Inspect these barriers regularly to keep the area inside the barriers clean of leaves, weeds, and other debris, which can hide damage caused by mice and voles. Individual plants can also be protected with a variety of commercially available protectors, including nylon mesh and plastic tubes; aluminum foil has been double-wrapped around small trees with effective results. Scare devices and repellents: If fencing and other barriers are impractical or undesirable, or if damage is so slight that fencing is not cost-effective, scare devices can provide temporary control. Visual scare tactics include mylar tape and mylar party balloons located above areas of potential damage, and pinwheels and other devices located at ground level.

However, urban and suburban rabbits are often unafraid of such devices and other rabbits quickly get used to them. Ultrasonic units, which rely on sound waves to repel rabbits, have not been proven effective. A dog can help keep rabbits away, especially if it is outside and awake at night. Plants may also be protected with commercially available or homemade taste repellents that render the treated plant inedible. Research has shown that repellents with putrescent whole-egg solids can reduce browsing by rabbits. Apply repellents before damage occurs and reapply frequently, especially after a rain, heavy dew, sprinkler irrigation, or when new growth occurs. In all cases, follow the label directions for the repellent you are using. Many repellents cannot be used on plants or plant parts to be eaten by humans. (For recipes and detailed information on repellents, see " Preventing Conflicts " in Deer.) Other nonlethal control methods: Encouraging natural predators of rabbits and hares—or at least not interfering with them—may aid in reducing plant damage. It is common to provide perches for owls and hawks in some commercial areas to control rabbits, hares, and small rodents.

Another form of control is to remove brush piles, weed patches, rock piles, and other debris where rabbits live and hide. Before doing this, consider the potential impact on other desirable wildlife species. Plant rabbit-resistant plants: Protecting vulnerable plants from rabbit damage within a fence, and landscaping with rabbit resistant plants elsewhere makes an effective combination. A walk or drive through the neighborhood can give you an idea of what plants are less palatable to these animals. Note: When preferred foods become scarce, there are few species that rabbits will not eat. Rabbits sometimes will browse the plants listed and sometimes will avoid plants not listed. The following list of rabbit resistant (or close to it) plants (Table 2) is a general guide. Rabbit-resistant (or close to it) Plants for Pacific Northwest Landscapes Plants are listed alphabetically by their botanical name. Garden Annuals Live Trapping Rabbits Trapping and moving wild rabbits several miles away has appeal as a method of resolving conflicts because it is perceived as giving the "problem animal" a second chance in a new home. Unfortunately, the reality of the situation is quite different. The animals typically become disoriented, which results in them getting hit by a car or eaten by a predator.

If they remain in the new area, they may cause similar problems there, or transmit diseases to other animals in the area. If a place "in the wild" is perfect for rabbits, they are probably already there. It isn't fair to the animals already living there to release another competitor into their home range to the detriment of both of them. In many cases, moving rabbits will not solve the original problem because others will replace them and cause similar conflicts. Hence, it is often more effective to use the above recommendations for making the site less attractive to rabbits, than to constantly trap them. Trapping also may not be legal in some cities; check with local authorities. Transporting animals without the proper permit is also unlawful in most cases (see " Legal Status "). If you cannot resolve a conflict by other means—such as removing the attractant, installing a barrier, applying a scare tactic—a final alternative is to trap the rabbit. Trapping is the last option because it presents many problems for both the animals and the trapper. Single- or double-door type wire live traps that are 9 inches high, 9 inches wide, and 26 inches long are effective at catching rabbits.

To capture hares (jackrabbits) in open terrain, use a double-door trap with weighted doors to prevent escape. It is best to use a larger trap than used on rabbits. For bait, use fresh vegetables in summer; apples, carrots, or bread in winter. Place the trap near cover where rabbits feed or rest, or where they gain entry under a fence. Place some bait just outside the trap and spray the inside with apple juice to increase effectiveness. For detailed additional information on trapping rabbits, see Trapping Wildlife . Lethal Control Lethal control may become necessary when all efforts to dissuade problem rabbits fail. Shooting has traditionally been the primary form of controlling rabbits and is effective in eliminating small, isolated groups of animals. For safety considerations, shooting is generally limited to rural situations and is considered too hazardous in more populated areas, even if legal. Public Health Concerns Rabbits, hares, voles, muskrats, nutrias, and beavers are some of the species that can be infected with the bacterial disease tularemia (see " Public Health Concerns " in Beavers). Tularemia can be acquired through ingesting undercooked rabbit meat or handling a dead or sick animal.

Anyone handling a rabbit or hare should wear rubber gloves and wash his or her hands well when finished. Legal Status Because legal status, trapping restrictions, and other information about rabbits change, contact your local wildlife office for updates. The Nuttall's cottontail rabbit, Eastern cottontail rabbit, and snowshoe hare are classified as game animals. A hunting license and open season are required to hunt them. A property owner or the owner's immediate family, employee, or tenant may kill or trap the above species on that property if they are damaging crops or domestic animals ( RCW 77.36.030 ). In such cases, no permit is necessary for the use of live (cage) traps. However, a special trapping permit is required from the Department of Fish and Wildlife for the use of all other types of traps. Additional Information Books Hygnstrom, Scott E., et al. Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage. Lincoln, NE: University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, 1994.

(Available from: University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension, 202 Natural Resources Hall, Lincoln, NE 68583-0819; phone: 402-472-2188; also see Internet Sites below.) Maser, Chris. Mammals of the Pacific Northwest: From the Coast to the High Cascades. Corvalis: Oregon State University Press, 1998. Verts, B. J., and Leslie N. Carraway. Land Mammals of Oregon. Los Angeles: University of California Press, 1998. Internet Resources White-tailed Jackrabbit: Minnesota DNR White-tailed Jackrabbit Lepus townsendii The white-tailed jackrabbit, or "jack," is the largest member of the rabbit and hare family, weighing from six to ten pounds. The long-legged jackrabbit is best recognized by its unusual style of running. When surprised, it will usually bound off with a gait resembling that of a kangaroo. But when frightened, it will drop low to the ground and accelerate to an amazingly fast speed. It is rarely seen because it is active mainly at night, and turns white in winter.

Identification General description: Exceptionally long ears, the ability to leap 10 feet at a time at speeds of 40 miles per hour, and seasonal fur color change distinguish this rabbit from others. Length: Two feet long, including the three-to four inch "stub" tail. Weight: 6 to 10 pounds. Color: In summer, the jackrabbit is brown gray, with a white belly, feet, and tail. In winter, the fur changes to white, with somewhat darker ears. In more southern climates, jackrabbits do not change color. Reproduction Adult females have their first litter (average of four young) in early April, and may have two or three more litters during the summer. Hares are precocial -- they are born with eyes open and a furry hide and they can hop about soon after birth. Food Jackrabbits eat several plants and seeds such as winter wheat, dandelion, and blue gramma grass. Jacks seek out high-protein foods, and eat their own droppings as a source of protein.

Predators Jackrabbits are typical of most prey species, in that their reproductive rates keep ahead of their main predators that include coyotes, fox, large hawks, and great-horned owls. Habitat and range Brownish-gray in summer and white in winter, the jackrabbit lives in open areas and seldom is found near wooded windbreaks, except in the most severe winter weather. It is a prairie hare which is more abundant in wide open grasslands of the west. Although both were once numerous, grasslands and jackrabbits have given way to intensive farming in Minnesota's western counties. Population and management White-tailed jackrabbits are classed as a "game species" in Minnesota, and during the autumn and early winter hunting season, several thousand are killed each year for their meat. But predators take several times more jacks than do hunters. Fun facts The white-tailed jackrabbit really isn't a rabbit at all, but a hare! Confused? Well, the main difference is that baby hares are born well furred with their eyes open, and can move around shortly after birth, whereas rabbit babies are born blind, hairless, and helpless.

In Minnesota, our two hare species are the white-tailed jackrabbit and snowshoe hare, and our only rabbit species is the cottontail. Connect with us Nevada Department of Wildlife Nevada Department of Wildlife Scientific Name: Sylvilagus audubonii Classification: Small game mammal Size: Adults may attain the following dimensions: total length 359-435 mm; tail 39-61 mm; hind foot, 82-101 mm; ear 59-69 mm; weight 900-1375 grams. Life Span: 1-3 years Description: The adult desert cottontail is light colored, tan to gray, with a yellowish tinge. The underside of the body is whitish. It often has an orange-brown throat patch. The tail is rounded and looks like a cottonball, but is darker above, white below. The length of a desert cottontail is thirteen to seventeen inches; ears average three to four inches long; and the average weight is two to three pounds. Females are larger than the males. Hind feet are large and average three inches long.

When the rabbit takes short hops, its tracks look like the number "7," with the two hind feet planted first, then the two front feet set behind. Habitat: Desert cottontails occur in a wide variety of habitats, including open upland habitats, sagebrush and other dry desertlike grasslands and shrublands, riparian areas and pinyon-juniper forests. They may occur in the same areas as black-tailed jackrabbits (lepus californicus).desert cottontails rarely stray far from their natal or birthplace area. Range: Found throughout the plains states from eastern montana south to west texas, west to central nevada and southern california, south to baja california and northern mexico. Found up to six thousand five hundred feet in elevation. Other species replace the desert cottontails at higher elevations. A male's home range may be up to fifteen acres in size. A female's home range can be less than one acre. Natural History: Cottontails are active early morning, late afternoon and at night, but may be seen at any time of the day. During the day, cottontails may rest in the shades of large shrubs, in burrows or within thickets.

In the hot months of summer, they conserve moisture and energy by avoiding activity during the hot, dry daylight hours. When alarmed, a cottontail can run up to twenty miles per hour in a zigzag pattern to escape predators. Often, the cottontail runs to a protective location like a burrow or thicket. If cornered by a small predator, like a weasel, a cottontail may "bowl over" the predator and give it a kick with its powerful hind legs as well. A cottontail may also freeze when danger lurks, and scrunch down to blend into its surroundings. Food Habits: Cottontails are herbivores, meaning they only eat plant matter. Ninety percent of their diet is grasses, but they also will eat forbs, shrubs, cacti, leaves, fruits, and seeds of other plants. They get most of their water from the plants they eat, or from the moisture that forms on top of plants, like dew. When cottontails feed, their teeth cut clean slices through twigs or plants at a forty five-degree angle, instead of ragged edges. Cottontails are coprophagic, meaning they eat thier own waste or pellets.

Grass is hard to digest, so the rabbits eat the first-formed set of pellets after a meal. Additional nutrition is absorbed during the second digestive process. Pellets from the second set are very hard, fibrous and lack any nutritional value. Breeding: Cottontails can breed at eighty days old, then mate again soon after giving birth. The usual breeding season for the desert cottontail is from april to august or september during which time two to four litters of one to five young are born in a nest lined with grass and with fur which the mother pulls from her belly. The gestation period is between 28 and 30 days, and newborn young are born blind and furless and unable to care for themselves. They remain along in the fur-lined nest for about two weeks. Growth of the young is rapid, and at ten days of age they are well-furred, and their eyes are fully open. Weaning begins at about two weeks of age, and the young disperse in another week or two. The young are weaned at two weeks old, and they leave the nest area three weeks after birth. Status: The desert cottontail is nevada protected and designated as a small game animal.

It can be hunted only during designated hunting seasons. Black-tailed Jack Rabbit - Montana Field Guide Montana Field Guide Species - Black-tailed Jack Rabbit - Lepus californicus Black-tailed Jack Rabbit - Lepus californicus General Description The common name Black-tailed Jack Rabbit is derived from the prominent black coloration on the dorsal surface of the tail (the ventral side is colored white). The Black-tailed Jack Rabbit is a medium sized hare with exceptionally long ears and hind legs. The average weight of two male specimens from Montana was 2.0 kilograms; and 2.6 kilograms for four non-pregnant females (Foresman 2012b). Both males and females have a musky odor that originates from two rectal glands (Vorhies and Taylor 1933). The pelage is grayish-brown to grayish-black in coloration, and the black tail is quite distinct. Juveniles possess a darker coat that is replaced by the paler, adult pelage in six to nine months (Haskell and Reynolds 1947). An annual molt occurs in adults between late August and early October depending on latitude.

The supraorbital process of the skull is pronounced, and both the rostrum and braincase are long and slender. The skull contains a total of 28 teeth and the dental formula is: I 2/1, C 0/0, P 3/2, M 3/3 (Best 1996). Diagnostic Characteristics The long ears and hind legs distinguish the Black-tailed Jack Rabbit from the three species of Montana cottontails (Sylvilagus floridanus, S. audubonii, and S. nuttallii), as well as the Pygmy Rabbit (Brachylagus idahoensis) (Foresman 2012b). Both the White-tailed Jack Rabbit (Lepus townsendii) and the Snowshoe Hare (Lepus americanus) lack the black coloration on the tail. Unlike these two members of the genus Lepus, Black-tailed Jack Rabbits do not change pelage color in winter. Species Range Click the legend blocks above to view individual ranges.

Western Hemisphere Range Summary of Observations Submitted for Montana Number of Observations: 18 (Click on the following maps and charts to see full sized version) Map Help and Descriptions Relative Density (Observations spanning multiple months or years are excluded from time charts) Migration This species is considered non-migratory. No information is available on the daily movements and home ranges within the state of Montana. In Kansas, home ranges were reported to be between 20 and 140 hectares, and less than 16 hectares in Idaho (Harestad and Burnell 1979, Lechleitner 1959, Tiemeier 1965). Dispersal distances of up to 45 kilometers in 17 weeks have been reported. Habitat No information is available for Montana, however, in other portions of its range the Black-tailed Jack Rabbit is known to occupy a small range of habitats, including open plains, fields, and deserts (Caire et al. 1989).

In the United States it has often been reported that populations increase with heavy cattle grazing (Taylor and Lay 1944, Tiemeier 1965), and in Mexico the species occupies desert habitats and grasslands that have been grazed almost to bare ground (Leopold 1959). A single study from Colorado indicated that the species preferred light to moderate grazing (Flinders and Hansen 1975), but in all cases, Black-tailed Jack Rabbits are associated with open country with scattered shrubs or cacti for cover. The species is known to occur at elevations ranging from 84 meters below to 3,750 meters above sea level (Best 1996). Ecological Systems Associated with this Species Details on Creation and Suggested Uses and Limitations How Associations Were Made We associated the use and habitat quality (common or occasional) of each of the 82 ecological systems mapped in Montana for vertebrate animal species that regularly breed, overwinter, or migrate through the state by: Using personal observations and reviewing literature that summarize the breeding, overwintering, or migratory habitat requirements of each species (Dobkin 1992, Hart et al.

1998, Hutto and Young 1999, Maxell 2000, Foresman 2012, Adams 2003, and Werner et al. 2004); Evaluating structural characteristics and distribution of each ecological system relative to the species' range and habitat requirements; Examining the observation records for each species in the state-wide point observation database associated with each ecological system; Calculating the percentage of observations associated with each ecological system relative to the percent of Montana covered by each ecological system to get a measure of "observations versus availability of habitat". Species that breed in Montana were only evaluated for breeding habitat use, species that only overwinter in Montana were only evaluated for overwintering habitat use, and species that only migrate through Montana were only evaluated for migratory habitat use. In general, species were listed as associated with an ecological system if structural characteristics of used habitat documented in the literature were present in the ecological system or large numbers of point observations were associated with the ecological system. However, species were not listed as associated with an ecological system if there was no support in the literature for use of structural characteristics in an ecological system, even if point observations were associated with that system.

Common versus occasional association with an ecological system was assigned based on the degree to which the structural characteristics of an ecological system matched the preferred structural habitat characteristics for each species as represented in scientific literature. The percentage of observations associated with each ecological system relative to the percent of Montana covered by each ecological system was also used to guide assignment of common versus occasional association. If you have any questions or comments on species associations with ecological systems, please contact the Montana Natural Heritage Program's Senior Zoologist. Suggested Uses and Limitations Species associations with ecological systems should be used to generate potential lists of species that may occupy broader landscapes for the purposes of landscape-level planning. These potential lists of species should not be used in place of documented occurrences of species (this information can be requested at: ) or systematic surveys for species and evaluations of habitat at a local site level by trained biologists. Users of this information should be aware that the land cover data used to generate species associations is based on imagery from the late 1990s and early 2000s and was only intended to be used at broader landscape scales. Land cover mapping accuracy is particularly problematic when the systems occur as small patches or where the land cover types have been altered over the past decade.

Thus, particular caution should be used when using the associations in assessments of smaller areas (e.g., evaluations of public land survey sections). Finally, although a species may be associated with a particular ecological system within its known geographic range, portions of that ecological system may occur outside of the species' known geographic range. Literature Cited Adams, R.A. 2003. Bats of the Rocky Mountain West; natural history, ecology, and conservation. Boulder, CO: University Press of Colorado. 289 p. Dobkin, D. S. 1992. Neotropical migrant land birds in the Northern Rockies and Great Plains. USDA Forest Service, Northern Region. Publication No. R1-93-34. Missoula, MT. Foresman, K.R. 2012. Mammals of Montana. Second edition. Mountain Press Publishing, Missoula, Montana. 429 pp. Hart, M.M., W.A. Williams, P.C. Thornton, K.P. McLaughlin, C.M. Tobalske, B.A. Maxell, D.P. Hendricks, C.R. Peterson, and R.L. Redmond.

1998. Montana atlas of terrestrial vertebrates. Montana Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit, University of Montana, Missoula, MT. 1302 p. Hutto, R.L. and J.S. Young. 1999. Habitat relationships of landbirds in the Northern Region, USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station RMRS-GTR-32. 72 p. Maxell, B.A. 2000. Management of Montana's amphibians: a review of factors that may present a risk to population viability and accounts on the identification, distribution, taxonomy, habitat use, natural history, and the status and conservation of individual species. Report to U.S. Forest Service Region 1. Missoula, MT: Wildlife Biology Program, University of Montana. 161 p. Werner, J.K., B.A. Maxell, P. Hendricks, and D. Flath. 2004. Amphibians and reptiles of Montana. Missoula, MT: Mountain Press Publishing Company. 262 p.

Commonly Associated with these Ecological Systems Grassland Systems Occasionally Associated with these Ecological Systems Forest and Woodland Systems Active and Stabilized Dune Food Habits No information specific to Montana is available. Based upon general information, these lagomorphs are known to forage on herbaceous vegetation such as grasses and forbs during the spring and summer, but switch to the buds, bark, and leaves of woody plants in the fall and winter (Foresman 2012). Water is obtained through consumed vegetation; an individual's diet is 68% water at minimum (Nagy et al. 1976). Because the diet of Black-tailed Jack Rabbits is often low in nutrients, additional water, protein, and vitamins have to be obtained through coprophagy - the consumption of fecal pellets (Steigers et al. 1982, Foresman 2012). Young are known to consume the pellets of their mother. These soft pellets are produced while resting during the day, swallowed whole, and re-digested.

An adult can consume as much as 390 grams of forage each day (Johnson and Peek 1984) and will produce, on average, 545 pellets (Arnold and Reynolds 1943). Ecology Black-tailed Jack Rabbits are sympatric with Lepus townsendii in Beaverhead County (Hoffmann and Pattie 1968). They are true hares with precocial young. They are considered both a "desirable" (food, recreation) and "undesirable" (crop damage, competition with livestock) species (Dunn et al. 1982). As with other species of rabbits and hares, L. californicus populations are known to fluctuate markedly, with alternating periods of local population increases and declines. Although these cycles can be rather dramatic, they appear to be considerably lower in magnitude than the frequently cited example of the Snowshoe Hares (L. americanus) (Gross et al. 1974). It is not likely that individuals in the wild survive more than seven years. During the day, individuals rest in shallow depressions under vegetation called forms (Best 1996).

These structures measure 10 to 20 centimeters in width, 30 to 45 centimeters in length, and 3 to 11 centimeters in depth. Both pre-existing forms as well as those excavated by individuals are commonly used, and adults will rarely enter burrows for shelter. Black-tailed Jack Rabbits are mostly solitary, but occasionally form small groups at good foraging sites (Foresman 2012a). Aggressive behavior is uncommon, but males are known to "box" with one another (Hoffmeister 1986). This behavior, characterized by standing up on the hind legs and hitting with the forelimbs, along with ear biting is the most aggressive form of social behavior, but individuals are also known to butt heads and chase each other short distances (Tiemeier 1965). The characteristic long ears of the species demonstrate geographical variation in size occurring according to Allen's Rule (Griffing 1974). This general 'rule' predicts that external appendages such as ears will be enlarged in warmer climates to facilitate radiation of heat back into the air. The ears of L.

californicus, on average, are larger in warmer climates than the ears of populations of L. californicus here in Montana. L. californicus is well suited for a jumping style of locomotion. Individuals casually will move at a rate of 1.5 to 3 meters per jump, but can cover up to 10 meters when disturbed (Foresman 2012). L. californicus can move at speeds of up to 56 kilometers per hour and jump as high as 1.5 meters. Individuals may be host to a large number of diseases or disease carrying microorganisms such as Borrelia burgdorferi, Toxoplasma gondii, Coxiella burnetti, Paturella tularensis, Pasturella pestis, Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, and others (Best 1996). Adult mortality in Idaho was reported to be as high as 87% during the breeding season and as high as 67% during the remainder of the year (Gross et al. 1974).

Years of population increase saw yearly mortality rates as low 64%, and years of population decrease had rates as high as 90%. Reproductive Characteristics There is no information available specific to the state of Montana. Information gathered in other areas of the species' range suggests that breeding among Black-tailed Jack Rabbits is promiscuous. Receptive females will often copulate with the first interested male after a lengthy courtship behavior (Haskell and Reynolds 1947). This process, which can last from 5 to 20 minutes, consists of circling, chasing, jumping, and urinating, almost always followed by copulation, which often occurs more than once. Nests are thickly lined with fur and entered through a small opening at the surface. Where the topsoil is hard, nests are no more than excavated forms beneath clumps of grass or brush (Vorhies and Taylor 1933). Local populations of L. californicus have synchronized copulation periods within each breeding season (Gross et al. 1974). Copulation is followed by ovulation and a gestation period of approximately 40 days.

Young are born weighing approximately 66 grams with a complete set of teeth, coat of fur, and open eyes (Haskell and Reynolds 1947). By the third day after birth the young exhibit 'considerable coordination', and begin digging on the fourth day. The duration of the breeding season and the size of each litter vary with geographic location (Gross et al. 1974). In northern Utah, where the breeding season consists of 190 days (enough time for four to five litters), the average litter size was 3.8. In contrast, in southern Arizona, where the breeding season lasts 300 days (enough time for seven separate litters), the average litter size was 2.24. Thus, breeding Black-tailed Jack Rabbits in more northern climates compensate shortened breeding seasons with larger litter sizes. Breeding pairs within local populations show a considerable amount of synchronicity, beginning each copulation period at almost the same time. Management No special management activities have been developed or implemented for this species in Montana. References

Question: What name is given to the tail of a rabbit or hare?
Answer: Scut